RSO student in clinic giving an exam

Why Optometry

Great rewards come with preserving the gift of health and good eyesight. Doctors of Optometry provide early, sometimes life-saving diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries and disorders of the visual system, and identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.

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RSO faculty aiding students

Gain Early Clinical Experience

Clinical experience begins with first year observations and extends to patient screenings in year two. Your clinical rotations begin in the summer (first semester) of the third year with direct supervised clinical experiences (examination, diagnosis, treatment and management of patients) at the UIW Eye Institute (UIWEI) and the Bowden Eye Care and Health Center.

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RSO student examining patient's eyes

NBEO Success

Students are prepared with a strong academic and clinical experience which supports student success.

Graduation and Licensing Examination Rates »

School of Optometry by the Numbers

1 The only optometry school affiliated with a faith-based institution
203.5 Cumulative hours to Doctor of Optometry degree
36% Enrolled students in the O.D. program that are underrepresented minorities within Optometry
$1.8m Annual uncompensated care provided by UIW clinics
68 Average incoming class size

Rosenberg School of Optometry Mission

The mission of the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry is to educate and prepare future leaders in optometry through excellence in education, patient care, and vision research.

Our complete Mission and Vision

News and Events

Feb. 16, 2024: Reflection

02/16/2024

Ash Wednesday was a few days ago, starting the Lenten countdown toward Holy Week and Easter. But maybe some of us are not completely clear as to why these weeks of preparation are there in the first place.

Celebrating Black History Month

02/02/2024

The UIW community is proud to celebrate Black History Month with a series of events featuring students, faculty and community members. With an emphasis on recognizing history, cultures, legacies and the continuous impact Black individuals have across the nation, hosts and participants will recall their experiences and reflect on Black history and the ongoing pursuit of a more just society.

U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains Makes Historic Visit to UIW

02/02/2024

On Feb. 3, 1943, the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester traveling from New York to Greenland was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the Labrador Sea. The steamship was carrying 904 service members, including four U.S. Army Chaplains. In the time immediately following the blast, the four chaplains of various faith backgrounds worked to get others to safety, offered calming words and helped organize evacuations into lifeboats. When it became clear that there were not enough life jackets for those onboard, the four chaplains removed theirs, gave them to others, then linked arms and prayed together as the ship sank. Since then, Feb. 3 has been known as Four Chaplains Day and serves as an annual reminder of the work and sacrifice of those called to share God’s message or offer spiritual support in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Optometry Admissions Prep Program (OPT APP)

The OPT APP virtual series offers unique opportunities to gain valuable insight into the admissions and enrollment process. All virtual sessions will be led by experienced admissions administrators. Sessions are offered on every other Wednesday throughout the Fall term.

Optometry Admissions Prep Program (OPT APP)

See Past Events

Dr. Sandra Fortenberry, Acting Dean of the UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry

Introducing our Dean

Dr. Fortenberry is the Dean and began her official appointment on June 1, 2022, as the first female Hispanic Dean of an optometry school in the nation. She is part of the founding faculty at the Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO) and has served as Director of Continuing Education, Director of Professional Relations, and Assistant Dean for Professional Advancement during her time at RSO.

“I am thankful to have been at RSO from the beginning,” says Fortenberry. “It really is a part of my soul. I hope that my contribution to this university and the optometry school will continue to benefit the students and the faculty as we raise our education to the next level of excellence. My vision is to promote optometry and advocate for the highest level of education to equip graduates with service and leadership in optometry. I am incredibly humbled and thrilled to be in a position to impact optometry education and to elevate UIW and RSO.”

Learn More About Our New Dean

Contact the Rosenberg School of Optometry

Mailing Address: 4301 Broadway, CPO 17, San Antonio, TX 78209
Address: 9725 Datapoint Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: (210) 883-1190
Email: optometry@uiwtx.edu

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"We evaluate, treat, and educate patients on their ocular needs versus their want. It’s no longer just about glasses and contact lenses, it’s about healthier communities.”

Dr. Jose Correa ’13 OD

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